Quick Comparison
Small sword (Degen): Pure thrusting weapon, triangular blade, civil status symbol.
Spadroon: Hybrid weapon, straight blade for thrusting and cutting, military favorite.
Colichemarde: A "high-performance" small sword with a broad basic and razor-thin point.
The Spadroon: The Military Swiss Army Knife
The spadroon forms the bridge between the featherlight small sword and the heavy broadsword. It's a nimble, one-handed sword that got its name in England at the beginning of the 18th century, but in the rest of Europe was often simply called a 'small sword' or 'hieber'.
Characteristics and Origins
The name is probably derived from the Italian spadone or French espadon. Although those terms originally referred to large two-handed swords, the spadroon was actually praised for its light weight.
Versatility: Fencing masters like Donald McBane praised the weapon because you could both thrust and cut with it.
Development: It evolved from heavier 17th-century types (such as the Walloon broadsword) by removing the side bars of the hilt, which created a faster and smoother weapon.
The Colichemarde: The Formula 1 of Small Swords
The colichemarde isn't a separate sword type, but a specific, ingenious blade shape within the small sword family. It appeared around 1680 and remained the gold standard for serious duelists for almost a hundred years.
Why the shape was so brilliant
The secret of the colichemarde lies in the abrupt transition of the blade:
The Forte (Strength): The first 20% to 30% of the blade near the handle is extremely broad and sturdy. This gives the fencer the strength to effortlessly parry even blows from much heavier weapons.
The Foible (Weakness): Right after that, the blade suddenly narrows to a very thin, triangular point. This makes the tip featherlight, so a thrust is faster than the eye can follow.
A Sword for Presidents and Pioneers
Contrary to what is often thought, the colichemarde remained popular long after 1720. It was a favorite weapon during the Seven Years' War and the American French and Indian War.
George Washington: At his inauguration as the first President of the United States in 1789, he received a colichemarde as a gift, underscoring the weapon's status as a symbol of authority and craftsmanship.
Duels in New Orleans: Until well into the 18th century, this was the weapon of choice in the notorious duels of the American 'frontier'.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the colichemarde just for show?
Definitely not. While the foil (foil) was used for safe practice at court, the colichemarde was a deadly effective dueling weapon. The broad base made it one of the safest small swords to defend with.
What's the difference between a spadroon and a broadsword?
A spadroon is considerably lighter and more maneuverable. Where a broadsword is often intended for heavy cuts on the battlefield, the spadroon is a faster side weapon that is also excellent for precision work.
Why is it called a colichemarde?
The name is supposedly a corruption of Königsmarck, after the count who made the weapon popular at European courts.
Summary
The spadroon is the ideal mix of thrusting and cutting for the (junior) officer.
The colichemarde is the ultimate evolution of the small sword, designed to combine speed with parrying power.
Both weapons played a crucial role in both European court culture and early American history.
Want an authentic 18th-century experience? Check out our collection of colichemardes and feel the balance that George Washington so appreciated.
Internal links
Small Sword vs. Spadroon: Elegant Thrusting Weapons and Military All-Rounders
The Rapier: Fashion, Mastery and Metal
Men's Fashion: The Golden Age and Baroque (1570-1700)
The Cinqueda: The 'Five-Finger' Short Sword of the Renaissance
